NASHVILLE -- State House Democratic leaders this afternoon have scheduled a news conference this afternoon in which they will urge Republican Gov. Bill Haslam and fellow GOP lawmakers to stop "interfering" in this week's unionization vote at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga.

According to a news release from the House Democratic Caucus, Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, and Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville as well as other Democrats are expected "to call for an end to outside pressure on the workers at Volkswagen."

"In recent weeks, Governor Haslam, Republican lawmakers and special interest groups have sought to use their influence to pressure Volkswagen workers into voting against a works council, in direct contradiction to the wishes of management at Volkswagen," Democrats' news release says.

"Democrats will speak out in favor of allowing workers to exercise their rights without fear of retribution or outside influence."

Earlier today in Chattanooga, state Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, R-Hixson, warned that future financial incentives for expanding Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant may hinge on how workers vote this week on whether to accept the United Auto Workers.